Saints sign tackle Jason Smith

The New Orleans Saints have signed free agent tackle Jason Smith to a one year contract.

The former Baylor star was the second overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. In his 45 career games and 26 starts Smith has played both right and left tackle. In his first three years with the Rams, Smith helped running back Stephen Jackson rush over 1100 yards per season.

The 6-5, 308 pound Smith played with the New York Jets last year and served as a blocking tight end and backup tackle.

In his senior year at Baylor, Smith earned first-team All-America honors from the Football Writers Association and was a unanimous first-team All-Big 12 conference selection.

With the loss of Jermon Bushrod, left tackle has become a priority for the Saints in free agency and the draft. Sean Payton has said he has lost sleep worrying about who will protect quarterback Drew Brees' blind side. Oklahoma Sooners left tackle Lane Johnson reportedly met with the Saints earlier this week.